Berkeley Today Stories

When Linval Frazer began his studies at Berkeley College in 2001, he was a shy student who dreaded public speaking. Today, he holds a Ph.D. in Accounting and stands in front of a class five days a week at his alma mater.

"Berkeley College is where I was able to hone and develop the skills to speak and teach, and I have used these skills at many colleges and conferences," said Dr. Frazer. "The environment was conducive for learning, with the most remarkable instructors and employees who assisted me in tailoring my career."

Now an Accounting and Finance instructor in the Larry L. Luing School of Business at Berkeley College, Dr. Frazer works to make significant contributions to the growth and development of each student, and to change lives in the way his life was changed.

"I always tell my students that as an instructor and past student of Berkeley College, teaching them is not a job, but a personal responsibility," he said. "I am aware of students' different experiences and temperaments, and I work hard to help them improve their strengths and overcome their weaknesses."

Dr. Frazer recalls a shy student who refused to make a presentation in class. After telling the student about his own experiences with public speaking, she was impressed with his story and went on to make the presentation. When Dr. Frazer saw the student later, she expressed gratitude for the challenge and for the encouragement he provided.

"She told me that she is more involved at her job in meetings and is now responsible for training new employees," Dr. Frazer said. "Her role requires a lot of speaking and presentations, and she said she was very happy she took my class. These are the things that make me want to continue and do more for my students."

Dr. Frazer said that his classroom presents a rare situation — that one day both the instructor and the students will share an alma mater.

"We have something in common — Berkeley College will be on both our transcripts — so we need to be the best that we can at what we do," he said. "For me, that means giving the most that I can possibly give them as a teacher in preparation for their careers."

Dr. Frazer graduated from Berkeley College in 2004 with a B.B.A. degree in International Business, before going on to receive two graduate certificates, two master's degrees, and a doctorate. He said that he returned to Berkeley College as an instructor because the College has changed many lives, including his.

"I just want to contribute in my little way to this organization's goal, which is to provide excellent teaching to a diverse population so that they can acquire knowledge, improve their lives, and have a positive impact on society."

When Linval Frazer began his studies at Berkeley College in 2001, he was a shy student who dreaded public speaking. Today, he holds a Ph.D. in Accounting and stands in front of a class five days a week at his alma mater.